2018 Stretch Forward Colin Castleton is Hungry for More Recognition

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Colin Castleton
Photo By: Jake Perper

Class of 2018 stretch forward Colin Castleton might be the biggest name going unranked for his class. Colin is a 6’11” 215lbs power forward who has the capability of stretching the floor. Last year at Father Lopez (Daytona Beach, Florida) he averaged 23 points per game, 11 rebounds per game, and 5.4 blocks per game. The unique aspect underlying in Colin’s story is that he has only been playing competitive basketball for three years. He told me his dad was a good baseball player and thought this would be the route he would go. He went on to tell me that he blew out his arm in 7th grade. This is when the thought of basketball came into his mind. With only playing the game for a short period of time I like the big guy’s footwork. He could increase foot speed, but I’m sure the program that lands him will be right on that.

With how early guys are getting recruited in this day and age, it makes sense that the forward has gone unranked. It just surprises me because there are only so many 6’11” forwards who can stretch the floor behind the three-point line. Rebounding and blocking shots are things he does at a high rate whether it is for his high school Father Lopez or his AAU Team Knight. Since he hasn’t been playing for long I believe this kid has a lot of upside. He is already skilled for his age as a big man and still has many things to learn. In my opinion getting him on campus to a major university will the best thing that will ever happen for his game.

What also impressed when talking on the phone with Colin is how hungry he is to prove how good he is. I got the impression there’s a huge chip on his shoulder to prove that he is a Top 150 player for the Class of 2018. Personally I can’t blame him because I have the feeling that Colin will slide into the Top 150 as the year goes on. I think it is a shame that the best I found was a 2 star label on him. I believe he is at least a 3 star if not a 4 star caliber player. While talking on the phone Colin gave us the pleasure to conduct an interview.

What schools do you hold offers from at this moment?

Colin: App State, Mercer, Purdue, Florida State, Xavier, Northeastern, Furman, Georgia Southern, Robert Morris, Rutgers, James Madison, UL-Lafayette, Clemson, Charlotte, South Florida, Samford, Stetson, North Florida, Illinois, South Alabama, Florida Gulf Coast, and Georgia.

What schools are showing at least medium interest who haven’t offered yet?

Colin: Baylor, NC State, and Ole Miss

Do any of these schools stand out to you that are high on your list?

Colin: Illinois, Xavier, Purdue, Clemson, Florida, and Georgia

How has it felt to go from mid-major prospect to multiple major schools throwing offers your way now?

Colin: It feels good because I started playing seriously only 3 years ago. If you told me this then I would have told you’re an idiot. I feel like I’ve been under recruited the whole time.

How do you like the Dirk Nowitzki comparison?

Colin: I have always looked up to him. I watch his highlights to take things from his game to implement to mine. I try to even watch documentaries to model my game and how he carries himself as a professional. It will be a long shot to get to his stature, but I’m willing to put the work in to try.

What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses on the court?

Colin: My strengths are that I can stretch the floor which allows my teammates open shots and lanes to penetrate, my quick first step with guys my position guarding me, being able to post up on mismatches, and my high post game is highly skilled. My weaknesses are that I need to get stronger, work on my conditioning to be an immediate impact player on the next level, and just repetition on my game since I haven’t been playing competitively that long.

What player do you compare yourself to and why?

Colin: I compare myself to Dirk still. I want to be a Kristaps to be a mobile big who can stretch the floor and handle the ball. He’s also young and has a frame like mine. I try to watch film on Kristaps to model my game and study his moves as well.

What do you do differently on the court than anyone else?

Colin: I would say my competitive edge, I’m always on the go. I tend to take match-ups personally. I enjoy being able to play players considered better than me with whatever accolades. I want to show I’m just as good if not better. Also like I mentioned earlier with being able to stretch the floor like I can at my size.

Is there a particular style of basketball you like to play?

Colin: I prefer a more 4 out 1 in offense. I enjoy setting screens for other teammates allowing me to pick and pop. I also like high low offenses allow me to be able to play in the high and low post. I consider myself a good post passer.

How do you see your game translating to the next level?

Colin: I see it translating well. Once I hit the weight room then the doors will open for me. If I add weight, I think the sky is the limit for me. The more work I put in I just don’t even know what is going to happen in college. I believe I have a high ceiling.

What is the biggest thing you take away from your AAU play this Summer?

Colin: How quickly things can change as a player. Just being able to take it all in the right way. I don’t want any of this attention to affect my work ethic. I still want to work as hard as I did before anyone noticed me.

What are your goals for your senior year?

Colin: I want to win a state championship. I also want to be the best teammate and leader I can be. I believe I’m the best player in the county, so I want to take that on. I want to prove I’m as good as everyone thinks I am. I want to keep my composure at all times. I also want to do well academically. I want to show I’m a high character guy.

Colin Castleton2
Photo By: Jeff Dawsey

With Colin’s size and skill set, the sky is the limit for him. We even discussed his NBA potential. He truly believes he can get there once he dedicates his body to get where it needs to be. It will be interesting to see his development next season at Father Lopez. I believe this kid has a lot of upside. He seems level headed enough to take a back seat to coaches and absorb it all in like a sponge. Something tells me that Illinois would be the perfect fit for the skilled big man. We at Basketball Society will keep you updated on his recruiting process.

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